Parents' tips: plus-size maternity clothes

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If you're plus-size, finding maternity wear to flatter your curves can be a struggle. BabyCentre mums share their top tips for buying clothes that are both comfortable and stylish.

What features should I look for?

"Try wearing maternity tights. They reshape your bump and help to support the 'lower lumpy bits', as I like to call them."
Jo

"Lots of trousers are really uncomfortable and unflattering on me. I find that wearing leggings and dresses or longer-length tops works better. You can dress them up or down, depending on if you're going out or just relaxing at home."
Nina

"I found that over the bump jeans fitted a lot better than under the bump jeans."
Kath

"I found over the bump jeans really comfortable. I lived in them when I was pregnant. They come in generous sizes too."
Kimberly

"Maxi dresses are great for big bumps. Empire line dresses and tops are also flattering. Most things I wore last time weren't actually maternity wear."
Laura

"I bought a couple of maternity dresses. I teamed them with leggings a couple of sizes bigger than I would usually wear. It's my staple pregnancy look, as it's comfortable yet feminine."
Joanne

"When the weather's warm, I wear capri trousers and cotton shorts. I buy them a couple of sizes bigger than usual, and wear them with a belt. I've found there's plenty of room for my growing bump."
Lynda

Where's the best place to buy plus-size maternity clothes?

"I found lots of nice tops and trousers online. They were cheaper than on the high street too."
Millie

"Spend a while trying on lots of different clothes in high street shops. It's worth doing if it means that you come out with something that fits nicely."
Catherine

"Try auction sites if you don't want to spend lots of money on new clothes. You'll find maternity wear to suit all shapes and sizes."
Jodi

"I never know what size to order when not pregnant so I have no idea what to go for now! My solution has been to order three different sizes online and send two back."
Maddie

"I didn't buy maternity wear as it was too expensive. Instead I had a look on the high street. I found a comfortable pair of trousers I liked. I bought them in four sizes and just changed size as my bump got bigger!"
Rachel

What if I can't find what I'm looking for?

"If you can't find a decent fitting bra, try a bra extender. You can find them online or in lingerie shops."
Li

"At the beginning of my pregnancy I got really frustrated by the lack of plus-size maternity items. I managed to get by until six months with the use of a bump band. This allowed me to wear my usual trousers."
Sunita

"If you're handy with a sewing machine, why not alter a few items? Try putting a piece of elastic round the bottom of a top a few sizes larger than normal. This will hug your waist and show off your bump."
Sienna

"I struggled to find jeans that accommodated my bump. They either fell down or were too tight. So I bought some elastic and adapted an ordinary pair myself. I wear a bump band over the top to hide my poor sewing skills!"
Lois

Last reviewed: July 2012

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